Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition (MSHN)
Curriculum

MSHN FOUNDATION LEVEL COURSES

MSHN 101- BIOCHEMICAL INDIVIDUALITY AND WHOLE FOODS NUTRITION
The concept of whole foods is central to Hawthorn University's Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program. The value and necessity of quality whole foods and their relationship to health and wellness is explored. General principles and requirements of human nutrition are reviewed and a variety of promoted dietary programs are studied and critiqued. The concept of biochemical individuality, the benefits of fresh, whole, chemical free, plant-based foods, transitional diets, and lifestyle improvements are explored. (3 Credits)

MSHN 102- APPLIED RESEARCH SKILLS
Students are introduced to valuable Internet sites, library systems, as well as clinical nutrition and medical journals to remain abreast of recently published research findings in the continuously evolving field of nutrition. Students are taught and are required to use a critical thinking process to understand and evaluate research studies, discern the quality, accuracy, and validity of published materials, as well as the advantages and limitations of experimental designs and outcomes. This course provides the structure for students to conduct research projects throughout their master's course of studies and to identify a possible topic of their thesis for MSNH 300, a graduate requirement. (3 Credits)

MSHN 103- PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY OF DIGESTIVE PROCESSES
Organs, glands, chemical messengers, and digestive secretions involved in the process of digestion, absorption and metabolism are reviewed as the alimentary canal is studied to learn the intricate mechanics involved in converting food to energy. The applications of holistic nutritional tools are introduced, including foods, herbs, lifestyle factors, and nutritional supplements that enhance digestion and utilization of food. (3 Credits)

MSHN 104- MACRONUTRIENTS: BIOCHEMICAL ENERGY SOURCES
Macronutrients, the components of whole foods that provide calories for human energy are examined. The biochemical nature and classification of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates is presented differentiating between the effects of complex vs. refined foods on human metabolism. Students learn to determine individual dietary macronutrient requirements as well as the therapeutic value and use of essential fatty acids and amino acids. (3 Credits)

MSHN 105- MICRONUTRIENTS: BIOCHEMICAL REGULATORS
Micronutrients and their fundamental impact on human growth, metabolism, cellular integrity, and repair are discussed in this course. Students learn the individual nutrients in foods, their interactive biochemical roles in human metabolism, and the effects of nutrient deficiencies and excesses. Students are taught to appreciate biochemical individuality as a key factor in restoration of homeostasis as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and accessory nutrients are reviewed. Nutrient values from food sources and supplementation are discussed reviewing the manufacturing process and its impact of product quality. (3 Credits)

MSHN 106- DIETARY ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENT VALUES
Students learn to use food/nutrient tables and computer software to evaluate the nutritional value of a particular diet, including the total caloric intake and individual macronutrient and micronutrient breakdown. Students gain practice determining an individual's nutrient needs, distinguishing high quality, nutrient dense foods that support health from poor quality, nutrient depleted “foodstuffs” that contribute to poor health and disease patterns. Appropriate dietary methods to support a client's health concerns and goals, transitioning toward an optimal diet, and suggestions for guiding individuals toward a path to wholeness and well-being is taught and practiced. (3 Credits)

MIDTERM EXERCISE

Prior to enrolling in advanced level courses, students must have successfully completed all prior coursework and passed the midterm level exercise.

MSHN ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES

MSHN 207- HOLISTIC NUTRITION AND HEALTH COUNSELING
Students receive instruction on the art of listening, building rapport, and giving positive feedback and direction to clients. Tools and skills needed to build relationship, understanding, and trust between practitioner and client are presented. Specific client forms and questionnaires, which enable a practitioner to explore patterns contributing to an individual's current health concerns, are introduced. Students practice gathering and evaluating information about a client, counseling skills, as well as the structure and development of a client's healing program. (4 Credits)

MSHN 208- DEVELOPMENTAL NUTRITION
The nutrient requirements for sustained good health of each stage of human growth and development are presented. Nutritional tools used to assess health status and specific protocols to support health recovery and maintenance are introduced as the most common health conditions associated with each life stage are discussed. Students review case studies and assessments while practicing the intake, planning, and educational phases of nutritional consultation and develop an individualized, nutritional healing protocol. (4 Credits)

MSHN 209- CLINICAL NUTRITION FOR THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
The digestive system, consisting of organs and glands associated with ingestion, digestion, and absorption of food and nutrients, and the elimination of solid wastes from the body are reviewed. A discussion of digestive and intestinal health and the challenges associated with proper digestion, absorption, and elimination required to gain optimal nutritional benefits from foods is presented. Gastrointestinal dysfunction and etiology caused by the disruption of these processes, various assessments and laboratory procedures to evaluate digestive dysfunction, and health supporting nutritional protocols for several gastrointestinal conditions are discussed. (4 Credits)

MSHN 210- FILTERING SYSTEMS OF THE HUMAN BODY
The physiology, function, and nutrient requirements of the major organs of detoxification in the human body, the liver, kidneys, lungs and skin are studied in depth. Current research involving environmental toxins and their impact on health status is discussed. Assessment and related lab tests are presented as students learn holistic, systemic cleansing, and detoxification support methods. (4 Credits)

MSHN 211- REGULATING PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES
The endocrine system's glands that act to regulate many of the body's physiological processes, the hormones and secretions they produce, and their impact on health are detailed. Students explore the amazingly intricate interrelationship between the glands themselves, the nervous system, and the levels of various substances in the blood which govern the secretion of hormones by the endocrine system. The effects of stress, management, diet, and nutrient support for healthy glandular function is discussed while disease conditions resulting from or associated with endocrine dysfunction are presented. Assessments and lab tests that reflect imbalances within the system are presented and specific protocols which contribute to good health are developed. (4 Credits)

MSHN 212- MAINTAINING THE STRUCTURAL BODY
Students explore the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the musculoskeletal system gaining information and strategies to maintain a strong and fit structural body. Diet and exercise suggestions for various metabolic needs and activity levels are introduced. Health issues such as weight imbalance, injury, chronic pain, the inflammatory cascade, arthritis, osteoporosis, and sports nutrition are discussed. A number of complimentary healing modalities are presented as part of a supportive wellness protocol for individuals seeking to maintain or reclaim health of the musculoskeletal system. (4 Credits)

MSHN 213- CARDIOVASCULAR NUTRITION
The dynamics of the circulatory system, composed of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system) and the lymphatic system, is reviewed in depth. Research is presented to demonstrate the impact of genetics and various diets and activity levels on the health of the circulatory system. With heart disease being one of the major health issues in Western cultures, students learn health supportive diet, lifestyle, herbal and supplement recommendations, and develop healing protocols. (4 Credits)

MSHN 214- CLINICAL NUTRITION AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
A thorough review of the immune system is presented and many factors that enhance or inhibit normal function are explored, including the impact of body systems, diet, lifestyle, chemical exposures, stress, and mental attitude on the immune system. Allergies, asthma, AIDS, and cancer prevention are discussed in depth. Students learn about the intricacies of immunity, how to enhance its function, and the use of various assessments and lab tests to identify dysfunction as they practice developing appropriate diet, lifestyle, and supplement protocols for clients presenting with immune deficiency conditions. (4 Credits)

MSHN 215- NUTRITION AND MENTAL HEALTH
Students explore the body's nervous system, an elaborate, interlaced network of sophisticated nerve cells including the brain and spinal cord that adjusts to changes in internal and external environment. Discussion of the intricacies of the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems helps students distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves and their functions and their effects on movement, coordination, and thought processes. Health conditions such as migraine headaches, epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple Sclerosis are explored. Students learn the etiologies of these conditions and the impact nutrition can have towards the prevention of illness as well as the return to health that is possible when applying fundamental nutrition principles. (4 Credits)

ADVANCED LEVEL EXERCISE

At the successful completion of all coursework, students must demonstrate that they are able to proceed to the thesis courses by passing the Advanced Level Exercise.

MSHN 299- THESIS PROPOSAL
The course is designed to assist students in the development of a master’s thesis and to guide them through the thesis process. By integrating and demonstrating the theoretical and practical knowledge learned in their program, students identify a relevant research topic and the purpose and extent of their study. Through a literature review, a solid rationale for the research will be identified as well as the appropriate methodology needed to form a conclusion. (3 Credits)

MSHN 310- THESIS RESEARCH
This final course in the MSHN program provides students the opportunity to expand on their work in MSHN 299, develop their thesis, and complete an original project for their oral presentation. The research thesis should be approximately 30 pages and demonstrate an understanding and application of information and research skills. Students are also required to present a 30 minute oral presentation to their instructor during their oral conference for this course. Students work closely with their instructor during this process, receiving feedback and guidance. (3 Credits)